NFPA 30 addresses the unique threats of flammable liquids. While expansive, NFPA 30 regulations are your guideline for securing compliant flammable storage protection. NFPA 30 requirements are the industry standard for verifying proper procedures while mitigating potential risks. According to the NFPA, any flammable liquid must be stored in an OSHA-approved chemical storage warehouse or containers. Proper chemical storage ensures adequate ventilation while preventing the toxic buildup of flammable fumes, which can cause a fire if in contact with an errant spark. Furthermore, NFPA 30 includes classifying and categorizing flammable liquids based on their physical properties and propensities to cause harm and environmental contamination.
Flammable Liquids Classification
Below is a list of requirements for flammable liquids classification. Understanding NFPA 30 is critical in securing compliant storage protection.
- Class I Liquids: Flammable liquids that have a flash point below 100°F (37.8°C). They are further divided into three categories based on their volatility:
- Class IA: Liquids with a flash point below 73°F (22.8°C) and a boiling point below 100°F (37.8°C).
- Class IB: Liquids with a flash point below 73°F (22.8°C) and a boiling point at or above 100°F (37.8°C).
- Class IC: Liquids with a flash point at or above 73°F (22.8°C) and below 100°F (37.8°C).
- Class II Liquids: Combustible liquids with a flash point at or above 100°F (37.8°C) and below 140°F (60°C). They are also divided into three categories based on their flash points.
- Class IIIA Liquids: Combustible liquids with a flash point at or above 140°F (60°C) and below 200°F (93.4°C).
- Class IIIB Liquids: Combustible liquids with a flash point at or above 200°F (93.4°C).
Frequently Used Flammable Liquids Requiring NFPA 30 Compliant Protection
Dozens of chemicals qualify for flammable liquid classification. Here are some of the more common flammable liquids customers have inquired of us for compliant protection.
- Acetone
- Acetate
- Acetonitrile
- Benzene
- Butane
- Carbon Tetrachloride
- Cyclohexane
- Ether
- Formamide
- Glycerin
- Methanol
- Nitromethane
- Petroleum Ether
- Triethyl Amine
Proper Handling and Storage of Hazardous Chemicals
According to NFPA 30, Category I,II, and III flammable liquids must be kept in closed containers when not in use. Moreover, Category I,II, and III flammable liquids may only be used where there are no open flames or other sources of ignition. OSHA regulations further stipulate all flammable liquids transferred in greater quantities of five gallons from one tank or container to another must be separated from other operations by at least 25 feet or by construction having a fire-resistance of at least one hour.
Quantity and Classification
OSHA says no more than 25 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids may be stored in a room outside of an approved storage cabinet. Additionally, OSHA requires no more than 60 gallons of flammable liquid (flashpoint below 140 degrees F) or 120 gallons of combustible (flashpoint at or above 140 degrees F) can be stored in a single chemical storage container or warehouse. Additionally, NFPA 30 warns against storing more than 120 gallons of Class IB, Class IC, Class II, or Class III liquids in containers. Finally, the NFPA caps any combination of Class IB, IC, or IIIA liquids in metal tanks or metal IBC containers – each not exceeding 793 gallons – at 1,585 total liquid gallons.
Only in specialized warehouse storage areas and in our US Hazmat Rentals storage buildings – designed, engineered, and construction for greater storage volumes – can high-quantities of flammable liquids and materials be property stored.
Hazardous materials must always be stored below eye level. Additionally, hazardous materials should never be stored on the floor or on unstable surfaces such as ledges, egresses, tilted shelving, or in older chemical drums susceptible to leaks. All chemical containers should be labeled appropriately, ensuring proper application and storage. Although organizationally counterintuitive, only store chemicals alphabetically if they are compatible. All personnel should verify that storage containers, such as drums and totes, are designed and constructed according to NFPA 30 specifications.
OSHA Compliant Fire Suppression
OSHA requires at least “one portable fire extinguisher having a rating of not less than 20-B units shall be located not less than 25 feet, nor more than 75 feet from any flammable liquid storage area located outside.” Where sprinklers are provided, these fixtures must be installed in accordance with the Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. In addition to superior steel gauge paneling and solid welds, our fire-rated chemical storage lockers are outfitted with innovative safety features to mitigate damage during a hazmat incident. Our dry chemical fire suppression systems meet NFPA 17 standards in protection against A, B, and C type fires. During a fire, remote activation releases a tension detection cable and extinguishing agent dispersion system through a ceiling-mounted piping network before dousing flames and ignition sources. Manual pull station capabilities allows for the remote activation specific nozzles depending on the location of the fire.
Metal Storage Construction Requirements
NFPA 30 Section 9.5 for metal safety cabinets requires the “bottom, top, door, and sides of the (storage) cabinet shall be at least No. 18 gauge sheet steel and shall be double-walled.” Our fire-rated chemical storage lockers can accommodate large stockpiles of flammable liquids by meeting NFPA 30 building requirements.
Ventilation
Mechanical ventilation prevents a volatile accumulation of toxic vapors during a leak or spill. Mechanical ventilation is a must while storing flammable materials and liquids, as well as during the mixing and dispensing process. Portable tanks not exceeding 660 gallons must have emergency venting in accordance with chapters II and III of the The Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, NFPA 30-1969. Our mechanical ventilation system can make six air changes per hour at a rate of at least 1 cubic foot per minute.
Spill Containment
Furthermore, NFPA 30 also warns against inadequate storage that can lead to leaks, thus requiring the implementation of approved containers and safety cabinetry. Our innovative spill sump containment system can mitigate accidental spills and leaks preventing environmental contamination. During a spill, the flammable material will pass through a steel-grated floor before depositing into a large sump fixed at the bottom of every storage locker. The dangerous chemical will remain in the sump until safe extraction.
NFPA 30 and Employee Training
NFPA 30 also stresses proper employee training. All employees should receive proper flammable material training before handling dangerous chemicals on the jobsite. Although not required by federal law, every industry handling hazardous materials should implement a worker safety program. OSHA says a safety and health program should include elements of management leadership, worker participation and a set of protocols of hazard assessment. Detailed material safety data sheets should also be readily available for each dangerous chemical found at your manufacturing facility. A SMDS provides physical properties of a chemical, including flash point, boiling point, first aid measures, and safe handling and storage practices. Each SMDS should be clearly visible in proximity to each hazardous chemical. While understanding NFPA 30 regulations is detail time consuming, following these guidelines can ensure compliance and hazard mitigation.
